Bars & Barbells

8 products

Barbells & Specialty Bars

Equip your home gym with premium barbells designed for strength training, powerlifting, and specialized movements. Our collection includes olympic barbells, curl bars, and specialty weight bars built to professional standards with superior knurling, rotation, and durability for years of heavy lifting.

  • Olympic Barbells: Standard 7-foot weight bars with 2-inch sleeve diameter designed for Olympic weight plates and powerlifting movements.
  • Curl Bars: EZ curl barbells with angled grips reduce wrist strain during bicep curls, skull crushers, and arm isolation exercises.
  • Specialty Bars: Adaptive and youth-sized bars engineered for specific training needs, athletes, and accessibility requirements.
  • Professional Construction: Hardened steel shafts, precision bearings, and aggressive knurling for secure grip under heavy loads.
  • Versatile Barbell Sets: Complete weight bar solutions for compound movements, accessory work, and progressive strength development.
Olympic barbell for home gym

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an olympic barbell and a standard weight bar?
Olympic barbells have 2-inch diameter sleeves that accept Olympic weight plates, typically weigh 45 pounds, measure 7 feet long, and feature rotating sleeves for Olympic lifts. Standard bars have 1-inch sleeves, weigh less (15-25 pounds), and don't rotate, making them suitable for lighter general training.
Why should I use a curl bar instead of a straight barbell?
EZ curl bars feature angled grips that place your wrists and forearms in a more natural position during curls, reducing strain and allowing better focus on bicep contraction. They're excellent for arm isolation, skull crushers, and anyone with wrist discomfort during straight bar curls.
How much weight can these barbells hold?
Olympic barbells are rated for 700-1,500 pounds depending on the model. Our specialty bars and curl bars typically support 200-400 pounds, which is more than adequate for arm training and accessory movements. Always check the specific weight capacity for your chosen barbell.
What does the knurling pattern affect?
Knurling is the textured pattern on the bar that improves grip. Aggressive knurling provides superior grip for heavy lifts but can be harsh on hands. Moderate knurling balances grip with comfort. Quality barbells feature center knurling for back squats and knurl marks for hand placement.
Do I need different barbells for different exercises?
A standard olympic barbell handles most compound movements (squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows). A curl bar is beneficial for arm training and reduces wrist strain. Specialty bars like trap bars or safety squat bars can enhance specific movements but aren't essential for beginners.
What's the standard length and weight of an olympic barbell?
Men's olympic barbells measure 7 feet (86 inches) long and weigh 45 pounds with a 28-29mm shaft diameter. Women's olympic bars are 6.5 feet long, weigh 33 pounds, and have a 25mm shaft. Youth and training bars come in various lighter weights and shorter lengths.
Should barbells have rotating sleeves?
Rotating sleeves (using bushings or bearings) allow the weight plates to spin independently from the shaft during Olympic lifts like cleans and snatches. This reduces wrist strain and improves lift mechanics. For general strength training and powerlifting, bushing-based rotation is sufficient and more affordable than bearing systems.
How do I maintain and store barbells?
Store barbells horizontally on a rack or vertically in a barbell holder to prevent warping. Wipe down after use to remove sweat and oils. Periodically brush the knurling to remove chalk buildup. Apply light machine oil to bare steel bars to prevent rust. Chrome and stainless finishes require minimal maintenance.
What's the difference between chrome, zinc, and bare steel finishes?
Chrome offers corrosion resistance and smooth feel but can be slippery. Zinc (black oxide) provides rust protection with better grip feel. Bare steel offers the best grip and feel but requires maintenance to prevent rust. Stainless steel combines durability with low maintenance but costs more.
Can I use olympic barbells with standard weight plates?
No, olympic barbells have 2-inch diameter sleeves and only accept olympic weight plates with 2-inch center holes. Standard 1-inch plates won't fit. Always ensure your weight plates match your barbell's sleeve diameter. Adapters exist but compromise safety and performance.
What's a good starter barbell set for a home gym?
Begin with a quality 45-pound olympic barbell for compound movements. Add a curl bar for arm training if your budget allows. Pair with bumper plates or iron olympic plates. This combination supports all major lifts: squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, and accessory work as you progress.
How much flex should a barbell have?
Barbell flex (whip) depends on intended use. Olympic weightlifting bars have more flex to aid in explosive lifts. Powerlifting bars are stiffer for heavy squats, bench, and deadlifts. General training bars balance moderate stiffness with some whip. Stiffness is measured by tensile strength (PSI rating).

Buying Guide

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Bar Type

  • Olympic Barbell: 7-foot, 45-pound standard for compound lifts, squats, deadlifts, bench press.
  • Curl Bar: Angled grip EZ bar for bicep curls, tricep work, reduced wrist strain.
  • Specialty Bars: Adaptive, youth, or training bars for specific needs and populations.
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Construction Quality

  • Shaft Material: Hardened steel with 180,000-215,000 PSI tensile strength for durability.
  • Sleeve Rotation: Bushing or bearing systems for smooth plate rotation during lifts.
  • Finish: Chrome, zinc, bare steel, or stainless—affects grip, corrosion resistance, maintenance.
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Weight Capacity & Specs

  • Load Rating: Olympic bars hold 700-1,500+ pounds; specialty bars typically 200-400 pounds.
  • Knurling: Aggressive for grip or moderate for comfort; check for center knurl and placement marks.
  • Warranty: Look for lifetime warranties on shafts, multi-year coverage on sleeves and finish.

Featured Barbells

PowerBlock Elite EXP Straight Bar

Elite EXP Straight Bar $199

PowerBlock straight barbell attachment designed for use with Elite EXP dumbbells for barbell-style training.
PRx Olympic EZ Curl Bar

Olympic EZ Curl Bar $137

PRx Performance olympic EZ curl barbell with angled grips for comfortable arm training and reduced wrist strain.
PRx Savannah Bar

Savannah Bar $121

Specialty training bar designed for adaptive athletes and youth lifters with appropriate weight and sizing.

Key Benefits

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Superior Grip & Control

Aggressive knurling patterns and proper shaft diameter provide secure grip during heavy compound movements without excessive hand fatigue.

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Smooth Sleeve Rotation

Bushing or bearing systems allow plates to rotate independently, reducing wrist torque during Olympic lifts and improving movement efficiency.

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Built for Heavy Loads

Hardened steel construction with high tensile strength supports progressive overload from beginner weights through advanced powerlifting totals.

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Specialized Movement Patterns

Curl bars and specialty barbells optimize biomechanics for specific exercises, reducing joint stress while maximizing muscle engagement.

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Decades of Durability

Quality barbells maintain straightness, sleeve function, and knurling effectiveness for 15-25+ years with basic maintenance.

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Standardized Specifications

Olympic barbells follow universal standards for weight, length, and sleeve diameter, ensuring compatibility with all olympic weight plates.

Compare Options

Model Type Best For Price Shop
Elite EXP Straight Bar Specialty/Attachment PowerBlock Elite EXP dumbbell system barbell attachment $199 View Details
Olympic EZ Curl Bar Curl Bar Arm training, bicep curls, tricep extensions with ergonomic grip $137 View Details
Savannah Bar Youth/Adaptive Adaptive athletes, youth lifters, specialized training needs $121 View Details

Space & Setup

Consideration Recommendation
Storage Space Store barbells horizontally on wall-mounted racks or vertically in barbell holders. 7-foot olympic bars need at least 7.5 feet of wall space or vertical storage solution.
Training Area Allow 8-10 feet of clearance length and 6-8 feet of width for barbell exercises with loaded plates. Consider ceiling height for overhead movements.
Flooring Rubber gym flooring (3/4 inch minimum) or lifting platform recommended to protect bars and subfloor from dropped or racked weights.
Weight Plate Storage Pair barbells with plate storage racks or trees positioned within easy reach. Organize by weight for efficient loading and exercise transitions.
Rack Compatibility Ensure olympic barbells fit your power rack, squat stand, or bench press setup. Standard 7-foot bars work with racks up to 50 inches wide internally.
Climate Control Store in climate-controlled space when possible. Humidity accelerates rust on bare steel bars. Chrome and stainless finishes handle varied conditions better.

Delivery Path Checklist

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Measure doorways and hallways

Olympic barbells ship in 7+ foot boxes. Verify clear path from delivery point to storage location.

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Prepare storage solution

Have wall rack, vertical holder, or horizontal storage ready before delivery to properly store bars immediately.

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Inspect upon delivery

Check for shipping damage, verify straightness by rolling on flat surface, test sleeve rotation before accepting shipment.

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Initial maintenance

Wipe down with clean cloth, apply light oil to bare steel bars, brush knurling to remove packing residue.

Care, Warranty & Shipping

Barbells require minimal maintenance for decades of use. Store horizontally or vertically to prevent warping. Wipe down after use to remove sweat and chalk. Brush knurling periodically to maintain grip texture. Apply light machine oil to bare steel bars quarterly to prevent rust. Chrome and stainless finishes need only occasional cleaning. Most quality barbells include lifetime warranties on shafts with multi-year coverage on sleeves and finishes. See product pages for specific warranty terms and shipping details.

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